Fitting In: UK EDITION

Tips on how not to look like a complete tourist in England. 

General tips

• The currency is in British Pounds. Coins are called 'pence.' Money can also be referred to as 'quids.'
• They drive on the other side of the road.
• Even though they're a country that uses the metric system, their speeds and distances on the roads are measured by mphs and miles, like the US.
• Tipping is not customary, sometimes restaurants will charge you a service fee, which is basically tip. 
• When your server asks you 'still or sparkling,' both options will usually refer to bottles. If you want free tap water, you have to ask for 'tap.'
• When paying with a card at a sit down restaurant, the server will ring you at your table with a handheld POS device.
• If you pay via swipe or insert credit cards, merchants are required to verify your identify with the signature on the back of your card with the signature on the receipt so make sure you sign the back of your card! 

LINGO

Left-hand side is the English word; right side is the American equivalent

• Cheers =  'Goodbye' or sometimes 'Thank you'
• Take away = Take out or to go 
• Lift = elevator 
• Queue = line
• Boot = trunk of a car
• Bin = trashcan
• Cashpoint = ATM
• Zebra crossing = Crosswalk or pedestrian crossing
• Petrol = gas
• Chemist = Drug store/pharmacy
• Biscuit = Cookie
• Chip = French fries
• Crisps = chips
• Ground floor = first floor
• First floor = second floor

must try

• cross at least 3 of the bridges in London
• eat fish and chips
• eat a classic English Breakfast
• see a guard (Horse Guards Building or Buckingham Palace, for instance)
• high tea or afternoon tea